Somaliland disregards the recent Somalia-Ethiopia agreement, affirming its lack of relevance to its internal matters. The accord aims to reset diplomatic relations and address previous tensions over maritime access agreements. Somaliland’s leadership continues to focus on its quest for recognition while closely observing the unfolding situation with its neighbors.
The Somaliland administration has expressed indifference towards the recent accord made between Somalia and Ethiopia in Ankara, emphasizing its focus on internal matters that pertain directly to the northern region. This agreement serves to recalibrate the diplomatic relations between Somalia and Ethiopia, which had faced tensions instigated by a memorandum of understanding regarding sea access between Addis Ababa and Somaliland.
Somalia and Ethiopia, facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have committed to establishing a technical committee to navigate Ethiopia’s maritime ambitions while safeguarding Somalia’s territorial sovereignty. Mr. Mohamed Farah Abdi, a spokesperson for Somaliland’s ruling party Waddani, stated, “The agreement in Ankara does not concern us. It is between two neighbours, and we are Somaliland. It is fine and normal for two brotherly nations to engage, and agree. But it is of no relevance to us.”
Further developments surrounding the agreement and Somaliland’s stance will be monitored, particularly regarding future relations and negotiations with Ethiopia. Notably, during his leadership transition remarks, former President Muse Bihi Abdi criticized Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud for purportedly stalling Somaliland’s progress.
Somaliland’s quest for international recognition persists, notably amid Ethiopia’s proposal that offers to initiate this process in exchange for designated sea access for military and infrastructure development. While Somaliland remains politically separate in its assertion, it continues to navigate its relationship dynamics with both Somalia and Ethiopia cautiously.
The situation involving Somaliland, Somalia, and Ethiopia is rooted in historical disputes and regional dynamics. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not achieved international recognition. Ethiopia, sharing a border with Somaliland, has vested interests in the region, particularly concerning access to the sea for its goods and military objectives. The recent agreement signed in Ankara signifies attempts to stabilize cooperative relations and tackle past tensions concerning foreign agreements that involve Somaliland’s territorial claims.
In summary, Somaliland maintains its position of detachment regarding the recent Somalia-Ethiopia agreement, reiterating its focus on internal governance and issues directly affecting its region. As diplomatic negotiations unfold, Somaliland’s aspirations for international recognition remain a central theme amidst Ethiopia’s strategic pursuits for maritime access. The sentiment shared by Somaliland’s officials underscores a disconnect from the ongoing negotiations, positioning the region uniquely against the backdrop of these developments.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
